Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)

Provided by: Healthwise
50% of users found this article helpful.

Stomach flu, sometimes called gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or a parasitic infection.

The symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss.

Stomach flu usually goes away without medical treatment in 1 to 2 days. Home treatment can relieve the symptoms of stomach flu and prevent problems, such as dehydration.

Author:Cynthia Tank
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Updated: 11/21/2006

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